In the city of Amsterdam, capital city of Netherlands

 "We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same."

-- Anne Frank
=====================================================================
(in the Dutch province of North Holland in western Netherlands) The city of Amsterdam was founded at the mouth of the Amstel River that was dammed to control flooding; the city's name derives from a local linguistic variation of the word dam. Originally a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became a major world port during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, when the Netherlands was an economic powerhouse. Amsterdam was the leading center for finance and trade, as well as a hub of production of secular art. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded and many new neighborhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The canals of Amsterdam and the 19-20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are both on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sloten, annexed in 1921 by the municipality of Amsterdam, is the oldest part of the city, dating to the 9th century. The city has a long tradition of openness, liberalism, and tolerance. Cycling is key to the city's modern character, and there are numerous biking paths and lanes spread throughout the entire city.

+ Although Amsterdam is the nominal capital of the Netherlands, it is not the seat of government (which is The Hague).This city's intimate character is best reflected in the narrow, bustling streets of the Old Town, where much of the population still goes about its business. The inner city is divided by its network of canals into some 90 “islands,” and the municipality contains approximately 1,300 bridges and viaducts. Although the city has a modern metro system, about one-fifth of the workforce still relies on the time-honored bicycle for transportation. Since the mid-1960s Amsterdam has been also known for a permissive atmosphere, and it attracts lots of people seeking an alternative lifestyle.

+ To the many tourists who visit each year, Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, for its collections of great art, and for the distinctive color and flavor of its old sections, which have been well preserved. As a center for the arts, Amsterdam has much to offer. There are some 40 museums, which attract about four million visitors annually.

+ The Rijksmuseum (State Museum) is famous for its collection of 17th-century Dutch masterpieces. The Stedelijk (Municipal) Museum is a leading international collection of modern art. The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the work of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. Other important museums include the Anne Frank House, the Amsterdam Historical Museum, the Dutch Maritime Museum, and the Rembrandt House.

+ Must-see sights include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals peddling around. Other visitors might want to linger in the local coffee shops, which is just a normal part of the city's landscape.